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Coyotes’ Smith: ‘tired is a bad excuse’

Phoenix Coyotes v Vancouver Canucks

VANCOUVER, BC - JANUARY 26: Goaltender Mike Smith #41 of the Phoenix Coyotes skates during warm-up prior to facing the Vancouver Canucks before their NHL game at Rogers Arena on January 26, 2014 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. (Photo by Ben Nelms/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Mike Smith

Ben Nelms

The Arizona Coyotes were playing in the second of a back-to-back and their third game in four nights when they dropped a 2-1 decision to the Anaheim Ducks on Sunday.

Goaltender Mike Smith said post-game that his team didn’t have the right attitude going into the game.

“We played the first two periods like we expected to be tired ... tired is a bad excuse,” Smith told NHL.com’s Curtis Zupke.

Kyle Palmieri and Patrick Maroon had second period goals for the Ducks. Ryan Kesler had a pair of assists in the win.

The Ducks, who lead the Pacific Division, have picked up points in three straight games.

Keith Yandle had the lone goal for the Coyotes, who have just one win in their last four games.

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